Tutor / Teaching Artist

Northland Youth Theatre (NYT) is a Charitable Trust dedicated to empowering rangatahi across Te Tai Tokerau through accessible, inclusive performing arts education. We deliver year-round classes, workshops, productions, and community events that nurture creativity, build self-confidence, and create meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, belong, and thrive.

For over 40 years, NYT has supported young people to tell their stories, develop leadership and creative skills, and build lasting connections with their peers, community, and the wider arts sector. Our work is grounded in whanaungatanga, inclusion, and care — meeting rangatahi where they are and supporting them to grow as artists and as people.

We are seeking passionate, skilled Tutors / Teaching Artists to deliver drama and performance-based classes for children and young people across a range of ages and experience levels. Tutors are central to the NYT experience — creating safe, supportive learning environments where young people feel confident to take risks, express themselves, and collaborate.

This role is ideal for artists who enjoy working with young people and want to contribute to a thriving youth arts ecosystem in Te Tai Tokerau.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate drama and performance classes

• Create inclusive, supportive spaces that prioritise participant wellbeing and belonging

• Support the development of creative, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills

• Adapt teaching approaches to meet diverse learning needs and backgrounds

• Work collaboratively with NYT staff, other tutors, and visiting artists

• Uphold NYT’s values, health & safety practices, and safeguarding responsibilities

• Provide feedback and encouragement to participants in a constructive, mana-enhancing way

You might be:

• A theatre maker, performer, director, or teaching artist

• An experienced tutor or an emerging practitioner with a strong interest in youth arts

• Someone who values community-led, youth-centred creative practice

Essential:

• Experience working with children and/or young people (or a strong willingness to learn)

• Strong communication and facilitation skills

• A collaborative, reliable, and empathetic approach

• Alignment with NYT’s kaupapa of accessibility, inclusion, and rangatahi empowerment

Desirable:

• Training or experience in drama, theatre, or performing arts education

• Experience working in community, school, or youth-focused settings

• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori or experience working in kaupapa-informed environments

• A current Working With Children / Police Vet (or willingness to obtain one)

What We Offer

• Paid, meaningful creative work with young people

• Flexible, term-based and project-based opportunities

• Support from an experienced youth theatre organisation

• Opportunities to connect with other artists and practitioners across Te Tai Tokerau

• A values-driven environment that prioritises care, creativity, and sustainability